DRAKES Huddersfield Cricket League players and followers defied wintry weather to attend the annual dinner and presentation evening at the Cedar Court Hotel.

Around 230 guests enjoyed entertainment from former New Zealand Test player Jeremy Coney and comedian Mike Kelly.

Although a handful of prize winners were unable to get to the function, most did, and Marsden’s Gareth Ackroyd and Lepton Highlanders’ Allan Waring were both on hand to receive the Lady Sykes Candlesticks, awarded for outstanding service to their clubs.

Keith Hallam received the Bob Stewart Award for distinguished service to the Umpires’ Association.

Unfortunately Donald Wood, the recipient of the major award of the evening, the Fred Stallard Cup for long and loyal service, was unable to get to the Ainley Top event.

The prize was collected on his behalf by the Linthwaite president Derek Cowgill.

Now in his 80s, Mr Wood has worked tirelessly for Linthwaite for 65 years, on the ground, preparing wickets and acting as club representative, committeeman, club umpire and bar man.

The league’s new president Donald Earnshaw, along with chairman Trevor Atkinson, paid tribute to retiring president Bob Platt, presenting him with a cut glass decanter and glasses.